The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller

Rough-and-tumble rodeo cowboy Brody Creed likes life on the move. Until a chance encounter with his long-estranged twin brother brings him "home" for the first time in years. Suddenly Brody is in Creed territory—at thirty-three, he's a restless bad boy among family with deep ties to the land and each other. And a secret past haunts him as he tries to make plans for his future.

Carolyn Simmons is looking for Mr. Right in Lonesome Bend, as the ticktock of her biological clock gets ever louder. Then she falls for gorgeous Brody Creed, the opposite of everything she wants. Until lassoing his wild heart becomes everything both of them need.

Carolyn Simmons and Brody Creed had a brief, tumultuous relationship until a late night telephone call took him out of her life eight years earlier. Now he's back, but the hurt he caused and her lingering doubts remain. Can these two hurting souls move beyond a dark secret and a bitter past to reach a happy future?

Brody Creed likes life on the move, and for the past eight years he's done just that...on the rodeo circuit. When he finally returns to Lonesome Bend, his attempts at reconciling with his twin brother Connor are rebuffed, but Brody has ties to the land and at last plans to settle down and run his half of the Creed ranch. He buys Tricia McCall's deceased father's run-down RV park and despite his estrangement from Connor, he begins construction on a house and barn on the property.

Family ties run deep, so Brody and Connor, who has now married Tricia McCall, are often dinner guests at their uncle Davis' and Aunt Kim's home, as is Tricia's and Kim's close friend Carolyn. Past hurts make Carolyn wary; she usually tries to escape seeing Brody, but as her biological clock ticks on, she comes to understand the Creed bad boy still has the power to turn her world upside down.

Ms. Miller delves deep into the human psyche to bring a story of love, loss and redemption in the lives of Brody and Carolyn. Filled with doubts about herself stemming from years as a neglected foster child, Carolyn cannot allow herself to trust, and Brody must come to terms with a secret that up until now, he's been unable to discuss. He must set aside his guilt in order to be the man Carolyn needs.

Another great story in the Creed series. Wonderful characters, dynamic dialogue and a setting that will make you want to move to Lonesome Bend. You will love the way these two needy characters dance around the truth, pretending their feelings are not on parade. Their epiphanies make for a thoroughly satisfying read.

RATING EXPLANATION:

1 Star— At this time, we at LASR do not post these reviews. If the book was boring, badly edited, poorly written, had little or no plot, stilted dialogue, and/or unsympathetic characters, we will decline the review.

2 Stars— Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you'd re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library - not buy - and never check out again.

3 Stars— Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn't consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There's a chance you'll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn't go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars— Very Good. You're glad you were the one who got to review the book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars— Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

LASR Best Book - For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you're not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise - and reserved for only a few.

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